Does CBD Show Up on Drug Tests in the UK? 2023 update

by Dispenser | Dec 23, 2022 | CBD

Concerned about taking CBD in the UK and whether it will show up on a drug test? Find out here if you should worry or not…….

If you’re asking the question “does CBD show up on drug tests in the UK?” then you might be worried about the implications of using CBD products. Luckily, there’s no need to worry – for the most part, drug tests are designed to detect THC and not cannabidiol (CBD), so you should be safe from positive results.

What is CBD?

Before we answer whether CBD shows up on drug tests in the UK, let’s first look at what CBD is. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of many compounds present in the cannabis plant. Unlike its counterpart THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it does not have psychoactive properties and will not cause users to experience a feeling of “high”. Instead, it can offer a range of potential health benefits that people are increasingly exploring.

We have some detailed blogs about CBD, the legality of CBD, and some of the benefits of CBD cream

Does is show up in drug tests in the UK?

The short answer to this question is no, CBD does not show up in drug tests of any kind in the UK. This is because drug tests are looking for THC and other related compounds found in cannabis, not CBD. Drug tests do not detect the presence of CBD and therefore it will not be picked up once you take a test.

Although CBD does not show up in drug tests and is not typically considered to be a controlled substance, it is still important to bear in mind that the presence of THC could show up on a drug test and lead to the interpretation that other types of cannabis have been used. That being said, CBD products should always be sourced from trusted vendors who are transparent about the amount of THC present in their products. Additionally, products such as oils and tinctures may take a while for your body to process properly. Therefore if you have any doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution and abstain from taking CBD prior to taking a drug test.

Is there a way to reduce the risk of a positive result?

Although CBD is not detectable on most drug tests in the UK, there is still a chance that it could lead to a false positive result. To reduce the risk of this happening, always double check the labels of any CBD products you buy carefully to make sure they contain no more than 0.2% THC, as anything higher than this may potentially be picked up on a drug test. In addition, look for products that are certified THC-free or contain trace amounts of THC and third party tested to ensure their accuracy and quality.

CBD users in the UK should also be aware of the different types of drug tests that could be used. Urine tests are the most common but they are not sensitive enough to detect CBD, while blood and saliva samples are more likely to show up positive for THC. If you have any reason to believe that a drug test may contain CBD, keep your CBD products on hand and explain to the tester what it is if needed so that it is clear why any positive results cannot be interpreted as true illegal drug use.

What about high concentrates of CBD oil, will they show?

Because high concentrations of CBD oil can be more potent and may contain higher amounts of THC, it’s possible that there’s a greater risk of this showing up on drug tests. Therefore, always make sure to purchase CBD oil with trace or no amount of THC.

If you’re taking a drug test for either personal or professional reasons, it’s essential to get informed about the product you’re buying and any potential risks involved. This is because certain products that are higher in concentration can contain up to 0.09% THC – which is enough to make them detectable in drug tests. Additionally, some CBD oils come with added THC, so these would definitely show up on a drug test if tested correctly. Therefore, check your CBD oil of choice thoroughly and only buy certified THC-free or no trace THC products if you wish to avoid any risk related to this type of screening.

Are there any other risks associated with taking CBD?

Yes, there are a few potential risks associated with taking CBD. The most common side-effects are drowsiness, nausea, and fatigue. In rare cases, more severe side-effects may occur such as changes in appetite, weight fluctuations, and issues with memory or concentration. It’s important to consult your doctor before adding any supplements or medications to your daily routine. Do not take CBD if you are pregnant or breast feeding either.

Summary

One risk that is specific to the UK is whether taking CBD could affect your ability to pass a drug test. Most drug tests in the UK rely on analysing urine or blood samples for any traces of illegal drugs, so unless you are consuming unregulated products containing higher levels of THC then CBD itself should not trigger a positive result. However, if you are concerned about passing a drug test, then it is best to avoid any products containing THC and consult with medical professionals.